Where is English Language Arts?

Earlier this summer, the NCTE/DC office received notice that Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) introduced three new pieces of legislation related to teacher preparation programs (S.1433, S.1434, and S.1435), an issue in which NCTE has a great deal of interest. Well, more than just interest, I would argue. Teacher preparation is a Council "raison d'etre". But what is missing from the Senator's legislation, as it all too often is from that of others, is any specific mention of "English language arts" as one of the content academic areas. Note that there is specific reference to mathematics, science, foreign language, history, and political science, to name a few, but not "English" teacher preparation as we know it. (I have always found it odd that this is often the case . Is it because politicians don't have a concept of "teaching English"? or is it because they think it is not vital to the well being of our nation? ["English" was always my worst subject", is a stereotypical, oft-repeated phrase.])

Whatever the reason for the choices underlying currently proposed legislation, NCTE's DC-area office will work to move forward legislation that provides funding and training to prepare teachers of English language arts to teach students to become effective writers, readers, listeners, speakers, and critical thinkers. We welcome your ideas on kinds of legislations needed.